The actress has previously told Access that she was facing her fear of performing in front of a live audience and appearing on the hit ABC show to show her father – who suffered a massive stroke on Christmas Day 2009 – that facing your fears was possible. Shannen hoped her participation in the competition would inspire her father.

When Access'Shaun Robinson caught up with Shannen following Tuesday's show, she said she urged her dad, who was watching proudly from the audience, to remain positive.

"'Don't cry,' I said [to him]," she told Access. "But, he's doing good now…he's doing better. He's smiling and not so upset… he's proud of me and he's the whole reason why I did the show."

Shannen said her early elimination will allow her more time to be with her ailing father.

"Fate is an interesting thing," the actress said "The last two days he hasn't been doing that great and he needs me at home and that's what's important."